Fungal diseases make up a significant portion of all diseases affecting crops. Their pathogens are literally everywhere. They don’t have to wait long for a favorable hour, since precipitation, cold weather, an insect bite or a broken leaf are enough impetus for an outbreak of incredible fungal activity. A fungicide from the world-famous manufacturer, Karamba, protects rapeseed from this scourge.
Composition and release form of the product
The antifungal effect of the drug "Caramba" is based on its active substance metconazole. The fungicide is produced by the German concern BASF. Packaging: 5-liter plastic canisters. Metconazole concentration: 60 g in 1 liter of aqueous suspension.
Operating principle and purpose of application
The main crop for which Karamba is used is winter and spring rapeseed.
Metconazole has a dual effect on the plant, as a fungicide and as a pesticide:
- It penetrates the plant tissue and destroys pathogenic fungi in it. This occurs due to blocking the synthesis of substances and membranes vital for the pathogen.
- It restrains the growth rate of the crop, protecting spring rape from bolting, and winter rape from excessive accumulation of vegetative mass. Skillful use of the drug forms the structure of the oilseed plant necessary to obtain a high yield. As a result, the root system of rapeseed is strengthened, which results in increased resistance to lodging. Uniform flowering and uniform ripening of the pods creates the most favorable conditions for harvesting.
Metconazole has high stickiness. This prevents it from being quickly washed away by precipitation. Since “Caramba” spreads throughout the entire body of the cultivated plant within a few days, its roots and newly formed vegetative parts are also protected by the fungicide. Rapid penetration of the product under the outer covers of the plant prevents its destruction under the influence of sunlight or weathering.
In the body of the plant, “Caramba” remains active for 6 weeks.
Processing times
Winter rapeseed is treated with a fungicide in the fall, after the crop has formed 4-6 leaves. Target:
- prevent rapid growth and stretching of green mass;
- root strengthening;
- prevention of fomoz and alternaria.
In the spring, both winter and spring rape are sprayed against diseases to suppress growth in height in favor of better branching of the stem and strengthening the root system. The height of the plant ready for treatment with the Karamba fungicide is 20-25 cm, pods appear in the lower tier.
Pesticide consumption rate and instructions for use
Depending on the density of crops and the volume of ground mass of plants, the amount of solution used ranges from 200 l/ha to 400 l/ha.
The table gives the dosage for 300 liters of diluted suspension.
| Disease | Signs | Culture | Norm "Karamba", l/ha |
| Alternaria blight | Brown oblong spots on stems and pods. The seeds lose their shine, become thinner, become smaller, and have a defective shape. The spots on the leaves have a variety of shapes. Having curled up, they dry out. The valves of the pod open and the middle plate separates from them. In the presence of moisture, a moss-like mass of fungal spores appears. | Spring and winter rape. | 0,75-1 |
| Sclerotinia | After the snow melts, the plant opens, immersed in the thickness of the white or gray cotton wool of the fruiting body of the mushroom. Tender parts of the crop rot or dry out. The death of the entire plant is possible. | Winter rapeseed. | 0,75-1 |
| Fomoz | Numerous dark spots on the leaves are growing. Concentric rings are likely to appear, especially on older sheets. A black coating of spores remains on the fingers when touched. Leaves may completely fall off. Young and ripe fruits are affected. | Spring and winter rapeseed. | 0,75-1 |
Repeated treatment is possible after 60 days, no less than 55 days before the start of harvest.
Preparation of the solution is difficult due to the low solubility of the Karamba fungicide in water.The following sequence must be followed:
- Pour 1/3 of the water into the tank.
- Turn on the hydraulic mixer and add the concentrated Karamba suspension into the container in a stream.
- Knead for about 10 minutes.
- Add the rest of the water and continue dissolving for another 5-10 minutes.
- Shake the mixture continuously while spraying.
Safety precautions when using the drug "Karamba"
The product is slightly toxic to beneficial insects and microorganisms. It poses a danger to aquatic life, as it decomposes in the aquatic environment for a long time and does not evaporate from its surface.
When working with the drug for the first time, no negative effects on the skin, respiratory organs and vision were detected. However, during long-term use of the Karamba fungicide and during repeated operations with it, it is necessary to use protective equipment. Recommended to wear:
- chemical gloves;
- closed clothing or chemical protection suit;
- closed shoes;
- Tight-fitting glasses with side protection.
While spraying the Karamba fungicide, do not eat, drink, smoke, talk, or lick your lips. Also, do not touch the skin, eyes and hair with your hands. Before the lunch break and at the end of work, exposed areas of the body are thoroughly washed with soap and water, clothing is left away from food, feed and places where people stay.
Storage periods and rules
Fungicide "Karamba" is suitable for use for 5 years. It is stored in a ventilated, cool, sunlight-proof room under lock and key. Not allowed near:
- finding heat sources;
- carrying out work that causes sparking;
- presence of faulty electrical wiring or switched on electrical appliances.
Possible storage temperature: not lower than 0 °C and not higher than +30 °C. It is necessary to avoid contact of the drug with static electricity.
Substitutes
There are drugs similar in effect to the fungicide “Karamba” that fight fungal diseases of rapeseed and other crops. Some of them are listed in the table.
| Manufacturer | Active substance | Drug name |
| Defenda (Ukraine) | metconazole, 60 g/l | "Camisole" |
| BASF | epoxiconazole, 56.25 g/l
metconazole, 41.25 g/l |
"Osiris" |
| Metconazole, 80 g/l
Pyraclostrobin, 130 g/l |
"Karamba Duo" | |
| Syngenta (Switzerland) | 200 g/l azoxystrobin, 80 g/l cyproconazole | "Amistar Extra", SK |
